550 / 560 No Tv?

[Sweeney]

We previously owned a 650 and sold it....regretted it ever since. We are thinking of a new one....but they don’t offer a Tv any more? What’s up with that?

has anyone found a make and model that goes in the spot they used to go? Thinking a vesa mount on the door and putting a Plex server in the cabinet....

curious why they dropped it in favor of a “desk”....seems like and odd choice.

 

[Christine Brandt]

We bought a 650 last year and specified no TV. With computers and other devices, TV's seem irrelevant. We do have to remember to bring our CD reader though!

 

[Sweeney]

We bought a 650 last year and specified no TV. With computers and other devices, TV's seem irrelevant. We do have to remember to bring our CD reader though!

Broadcast definitely is. But smart TVs and the fixed screen seem pretty basic. The fact is there are still rainy days.

IF we buy new, I’ll put in a screen, and feed audio through on board stereo....likely using a PLEX server. I really liked the one they used to sell....

 

[skissinger]

One of the best things about buying new is customizing. I suspect they haven’t forgotten how to accommodate a tv screen, lol.

 

[dustinp]

Our 550 had the older analog TV/DVD player in it when we bought it from the original owners. We built some additional storage in the space it was originally in, an then added a 19 in flat screen TV/DVD player that hangs from straps attached to the mounting holes on the TV, and hooks kind of hidden in the small ceiling space just in front of the AC. You can easily take it out, or down for traveling if wanted. Here's a pic where you can kind of see what we did. I'm sure Camp-inn can still install the antenna coax cable and fittings if they no longer offer the TV option, but they can probably offer both.

 

[Sweeney]

Agree....customizing is a option. We are still a little way off from trigger pull, but this saddened me...the old tv worked very well for us, and it seemed integrated....not bolted on. Maybe a new solution will come by then....

 

[M&L]

We picked up our 560 Ultra less than a month ago, and Cary told us we were the second-to-last TV. He said that the manufacturer isn't making the TV's anymore, and that the popularity of the TV option had diminished with the prevalence of laptops and tablets.

 

[skissinger]

Personally; I'd just call up CampInn and ask about having them route cabling for you (whatever it is you think you might want); and then use a RAM mount; and accessories for that, to mount whatever screen you think you might want. I did that to mount my ipad -- I opted not to get a tv back when I ordered. That way; you can change your mind on what kind of screen you want over the years.

 

[sarmay]

We debated a TV, but ultimately bought a slightly used model with no TV, and I'm really glad to have the storage instead. We use tablets, phones and laptops if we are staying in a place with reception. Otherwise, we always have books, games, and cards stored for a rainy days and cold nights.

 

[Sweeney]

Behind the tv is a ton on storage. That isn’t a problem. Sadly if the old factory option is t there I need to improvise

so...a Plex media server and a razplex client will likely be my plan b. It just won’t be as clean of an install. I’ll have to use a vesa mount .. trouble is here who is buying 12 inch monitors now days .

I can see it now, a led projector from the back of the bed . Actually...that’s not a bad idea

We debated a TV, but ultimately bought a slightly used model with no TV, and I'm really glad to have the storage instead. We use tablets, phones and laptops if we are staying in a place with reception. Otherwise, we always have books, games, and cards stored for a rainy days and cold nights.

 

[Warren Mary Ellen]

Our 560 Ultra has a TV in it but we have not used it. In fact a couple of years ago I noticed what I thought there were drops of water on it. Cary had sent a couple to us for them to look at our camper and I thought they’re going to think this leaks. Not water but an oily substance that is only the TV. Nothing had dripped on to the bed and none was on the AC above it.

Contacted Cary and he asked, does the TV still work? We had never turned it on so I went out and put a DVD in & it played. So our TV has been turned for 30 seconds or so. Never have figured out why it happens, but it has not gotten any worse. If we are camping, we are outside and only go inside to sleep.

The other couple bought one any way & we’ve camped with them a couple of times.

 

[Sweeney]

This question is still bothering me. Although I have come to grips with the reality that the drop down TV formerly used is no longer available.

But...technology has moved on . I'm thinking that the audio kit and a little ingenuity will win the day. I'm thinking that a PLEX server running on an tiny PC such as the odroid or possibly a Raspberry PI PLEX clint...couple options there. I really need TV -- its just the HDMI screen, and those are readily available. Although 10-12 inch screens are a bit harder to find.

 

[M&L]

We like to work on our primitive skills while camping in the backcountry in our 560...starting fires with sticks and ferro rods, making shelters, improvising medicinals from the local plants...but we like getting into the trailer at night and watching a movie on TV. It's also fun to string up the little dipole antenna and see what the local TV channels are playing when we travel around the country. Could we do without the TV? Yes. Would we want to? Not really...it's provided us with some worthwhile entertainment. We also really like having the sound system...while I enjoy playing musical instruments while camping, it's sometimes nice to sit back and listen while enjoying a fine, refreshing beverage.

 

[Sweeney]

Mike & Lisa, thats exactly where I come from. Not to mention nights when the bugs are just so bad you can't stand it, or its rainy and wet...I'd like to pick up an instrument, but I've found that I just don't have the acumen. Maybe a more intuitive instrument like a flute will fit the bill.

My favorite show to watch is "Burn Notice" --- watched it enough in "Serenity" that even when at home, when I hear the theme song I'm transported back to inside the camp-inn.

 

[M&L]

...I'd like to pick up an instrument, but I've found that I just don't have the acumen. Maybe a more intuitive instrument like a flute will fit the bill.

I do play a few different instruments, but one of my favorites (and most overlooked by the general public) is the "mountain dulcimer". It is played across your lap, and has a mellow, chorded sound. Mountain dulcimers use what's known as diatonic tuning (rather than chromatic), which means is basically has only the correct notes for a given key. You can play it in such a way that you can't play a wrong note! It can be played by people with little musical experience, and it will sound good. It can likewise be played by people with lots of musical experience, and it also sounds good. It is an instrument invented in America (southern Appalachia, to be exact), and it is absolutely *perfect* for camping. You can even find more guitar-like versions, like the McNally Strumstick.

Anyway, I hope that's helpful!

 

[Sweeney]

I do play a few different instruments, but one of my favorites (and most overlooked by the general public) is the "mountain dulcimer". It is played across your lap, and has a mellow, chorded sound. Mountain dulcimers use what's known as diatonic tuning (rather than chromatic), which means is basically has only the correct notes for a given key. You can play it in such a way that you can't play a wrong note! It can be played by people with little musical experience, and it will sound good. It can likewise be played by people with lots of musical experience, and it also sounds good. It is an instrument invented in America (southern Appalachia, to be exact), and it is absolutely *perfect* for camping. You can even find more guitar-like versions, like the McNally Strumstick.

Anyway, I hope that's helpful!

Love em. Looked at them too, the instrument I am most proficient at has a building wrapped around it. Kind of the opposite of what we’re discussing. But a skinner pipe organ will NOT fit in a campinn. . Played for a couple years, but never got to be “good”. All the passion, and just not enough talent and dexterity.

perhaps post insanity this may be on my list. My best friend at wife likes them too....it might be bad....very very bad


But I still want my TV

 

[JohnC]

I do play a few different instruments, but one of my favorites (and most overlooked by the general public) is the "mountain dulcimer". It is played across your lap, and has a mellow, chorded sound. Mountain dulcimers use what's known as diatonic tuning (rather than chromatic), which means is basically has only the correct notes for a given key. You can play it in such a way that you can't play a wrong note! It can be played by people with little musical experience, and it will sound good. It can likewise be played by people with lots of musical experience, and it also sounds good. It is an instrument invented in America (southern Appalachia, to be exact), and it is absolutely *perfect* for camping. You can even find more guitar-like versions, like the McNally Strumstick.

Anyway, I hope that's helpful!

Or he could get a piano and just play the black keys. Hey, it worked for Irving Berlin!

 

[Sweeney]

My life has been about simplifying. So far, I’m failing miserably .

my worst fail is the class A I bought. Fortunately used admin good condition. I am still kicking myself for selling the campinn, Right now I’m waiting on my companies year end financials which affects my bonus. This is a major part of my compensation....hoping the Zika hasn’t killed my year....

if there’s anything there .....”Hey Cary...” will be a phone call made quite soon after...

still bummed though the TV isn’t available.

 

[SouthernStar]

This question is still bothering me. Although I have come to grips with the reality that the drop down TV formerly used is no longer available.

But...technology has moved on . I'm thinking that the audio kit and a little ingenuity will win the day. I'm thinking that a PLEX server running on an tiny PC such as the odroid or possibly a Raspberry PI PLEX clint...couple options there. I really need TV -- its just the HDMI screen, and those are readily available. Although 10-12 inch screens are a bit harder to find.

I bought a trailer that had a TV/DVD player in it. At the time I thought it was a good idea. I quickly realized that technology has changed and the TV/DVD player that might have been cutting edge for its day was somewhat lacking by today's standards. I liked the fact that it was built-in and the wood bezel was retro cool. The screen had a narrow viewing angle though and the bezel obscured screen crawls across the bottom edge.

Anyway, I carefully removed it and I found a nice 12V 22" TV to mount in its place. It looks really good and, believe it or not, it takes up about the same space as the old TV/DVD player did (due to the wood bezel).

I use mine with an Apple TV and a Fire stick. I have an old unlimited data plan running on a Netgear M1 hotspot and I use AT&T TV, HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, etc for more content than I care to consume. I run both an Apple TV and a Fire stick because the Apple TV uses geo-location to determine what local channels are shown and the Firestick doesn't. This allows me to watch my local affiliate stations from back home and also switch over and watch the network stations from the area I'm visiting if I want to.

For what it's worth, I tried the projector route. I didn't like the washout from ambient light and projector mounting and screen issues seemed problematic, not to mention solving for throw distance and screen size issues. You could absolutely connect your Plex media server if you want to go that route. I kinda feel like I've already gone overboard with what I'm running now. Lol. I'm supposed to be out enjoying nature and not looking at screen. But when I do I pretty much have everything I would want to view at home

 

[Sweeney]

I just need my TV shows at night. Hearing the theme to “burn notice” transports me to about 2013 when we watched The whole series over a couple good camping seasons….

I have looked at adapting a 13 inch tv….but will probably 3D print and iPad Pro mount (good because it’s the biggest pad available) and still stream off of my Plex server. I haven’t found anything yet that works as well,

we used to carry spindles of DVDs. 50 or so at a time. I can now carry 350 movies plus about a dozen full seasons runs of shows we love in a server slightly smaller than 3 dvd cases plus a hotspot that acts as a internet gateway using nomad internet….

teardrops are about getting outside….but there is that last hour after the skeeters come out that needs “I’m Michael Weston, and used to be a spy…”


I’d love to see photos of what you did …